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© iStock/IdealPhoto30

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Get ready for the most colorful Easter in Zagreb

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Easter is one of the most exciting holidays. In Croatia, it is celebrated druing three days, like in many other countries - from Friday to Sunday. Apart from being a religious and traditional holiday, Easter also represents the time when the family is together. In this story, I will tell you a little bit about the traditions of the Easter celebration in Zagreb and the village near Zagreb, where thousands of egg-shaped bulbs are lit during the day of Easter. Let's go for the most colorful Easter adventure in Zagreb.

© iStock/Fraxinus Croat
© iStock/Fraxinus Croat

Many traditions and customs are associated with Easter. Surely, one of the most interesting traditions is egg tapping. Every region, every city, every village in Croatia has its own local customs - it is totally different how Easter is celebrated in coastal Croatia and how it is celebrated in continental Croatia. In Zagreb, many cultural events take place during Easter days. People spend time outside in the squares and the parks since Easter usually coincides with springtime. Tulips are everywhere, and besides Easter, spring is celebrated too.

 © iStock/izzzy71
© iStock/izzzy71

In Zagreb, during the Easter

Zagreb is famous for its advent and celebration of Christmas, but the celebration of Easter is not left unseen. The capital of Croatia and its main square Ban Jelačić becomes a real gallery in the open. The large ornamental Easter eggs are all over the city. It is impossible not to take a photo with them. All the eggs are painted in the Naive Croatian style, originally coming from the Koprivnica-Križevci County. On the eggs, you will see the motives of Croatian villages, towns, sea, mountains, and people from the villages and cities. In addition to the Easter eggs, a well-known Zagreb market called Dolac is a place of busy shopping for everything necessary for the Easter meals. Cooked ham is an indispensable part of every table, and you can try it on Dolac Market, as well as the cakes. Oh my god, cakes! There are hundreds of varieties, so while you are in Zagreb during Easter, you should try them - strudel is a must. Do not forget that most shops, museums, and institutions will be closed on Easter Sunday. Of course, there are squares and churches with a rich cultural program. The Zagreb Cathedral is a place you must visit during Easter time since it always has a beautiful decoration.

Some of the most important events are folklore concerts, where you can see folklore spectacles in all major halls and theaters in Zagreb. Mostly, folklore assembles from all parts of Croatia will dance, along with mandatory Easter songs and decoration. While in Zagreb, ask for these concerts because the venues in which they are happening are different each year, and, interestingly, they are mostly free of charge.

© iStock/Grufnar
© iStock/Grufnar

Salaj family's fairytale

In addition to the Christmas fairytale, the family Salaj from the village of Grabovnica, 60 km away from Zagreb, organizes a spectacle for Easter as well. Their garden is turned into a fairytale with thousands of eggs and Easter decorations. The place is especially magical at night with thousands of lights. Definitely, it is a fairytale in the middle of the village, and it is for free. So, now that you are ready for the most colorful Easter in Zagreb make sure you actually come and enjoy it one day.

Grabovnica, Croatia
Grabovnica, Croatia
43240, Grabovnica, Croacia

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The author

Marko Radojević

Marko Radojević

I am Marko, 28 years old, from Croatia. Travel, languages and nature enthusiast, lover and explorer. I share about my beautiful country.

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